Fresh off his stunning victory, presumptive President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. made a “private” trip to Australia together with his family. 
 
In a press conference Tuesday, Atty. Vic Rodriguez confirmed that the soon-to-be president flew to Australia for a “much needed” rest after the grueling campaign season.
 
“It’s a private trip made by President-elect Bongbong with his family,” Rodriguez said.
 
“It’s more of a private trip, a private visit for a much-needed rest and vacation,” he added, adding that Marcos is expected to go back home on Thursday.
 
Several Australian news outlets that first broke the news also reported that a protest welcomed Marcos and his family. 
 
Reacting to the picket, Rodriguez said that it is not a Filipino value to “shame” fellow countrymen, especially abroad. 
 
“Nakakahiya, wala sa kaugalian natin ang hiyain ang kapwa mo Pilipino sa ibang bansa. Ang dapat magsabi kung welcome siya ay gobyerno nila, hindi Pilipino na nandun lang dahil maraming poot,” he said.
 
Meanwhile, Rodriguez also revealed that Marcos tapped former Labor Secretary Benny Laguesma and Susan “Toots” Ople to be part of his Cabinet.
 
Laguesma was offered to head the Labor department, while Ople was asked to lead the Overseas Filipino department. 
 
Rodriguez said that the two were honored to be chosen as part of the Marcos Cabinet. "Nanghihingi lang ng oras at panahon para makunsulta at makausap yung kanilang pamilya at iilang kaibigan at mga taong pinaniniwalaan at hihingi ng payo," he said.